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Lynne's Handouts can be found here:https://scripturecentral.org/archive/books/book-chapter/ezra-and-nehemiah?searchId=0eb3e36bfb24dcd9bb1d1bece1531216b59539a8fde17ee80224af0653c92aa3-en-v=fadf3b9

What can we learn about the faithful women who helped preserve covenant identity during one of Israel's most important periods of restoration?

In this episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines, Bible scholar Lynne Hilton Wilson explores the Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah, focusing on the often-overlooked women who lived during the return from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Although these books primarily highlight the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah, careful readers will discover women whose faith, family influence, and covenant commitment played a vital role in the restoration of God's people.

Join us as we examine the lists of returning families, the significance of women in preserving Israel's lineage and religious identity, the challenges faced by wives and mothers during a time of social and spiritual reform, and the covenant renewal that united the community. Lynne also discusses the difficult passages concerning intermarriage, the status of women in post-exilic Judah, and what these stories reveal about faithfulness, sacrifice, and covenant belonging.

Nothing is as all-encompassing and all-inclusive as the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Comforter is the truth of all things, quickens all things, makes alive all things, knows all things, and has all power.

Christ began and concluded His mortal ministry teaching about the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Ask almost anyone what they most want in life and love, joy and peace in some combination will surface in the discussion. Paul taught the “fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace….” He also said, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”

The best of all human conditions in this life is to be endowed with heavenly power, to be born again, to have the gift and companionship of the Holy Ghost.

Nothing is worth the loss of the spirit. This world is too difficult to traverse alone.

Welcome to “Finding Christ in the Old Testament.” To view the resources connected with this episode, visit https://johnhiltoniii.com/findingchrist.
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In this episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines, renowned Old Testament scholar Lynne Hilton Wilson explores 2 Chronicles 14–30 through the stories of the remarkable women who influenced the destiny of ancient Judah. From royal queens and princesses who shaped dynastic history to powerful women whose actions led nations toward righteousness or wickedness, this discussion uncovers the often-overlooked female voices behind the biblical narrative.

Lynne examines the legacy of Queen Maacah, whose idolatrous influence led to her removal by King Asa, the courageous royal women connected to the preservation of David’s covenant lineage, and the important role of unnamed women whose faithfulness—or rebellion—affected generations. She also highlights the touching account of the nurse who helped care for and preserve royal heirs during times of political upheaval. Through historical insights, cultural context, and careful scripture study, this episode reveals how women in 2 Chronicles were far more than background figures—they were leaders, influencers, caretakers, and witnesses whose stories deepen our understanding of God’s work among His covenant people. Join Lynne as she uncovers these fascinating women and the lessons their lives offer modern readers of the Bible.

Why are ordinances and covenants necessary, and what does it mean to take upon oneself the name of Christ?

When Jesus went to John the Baptist for baptism, John naturally resisted saying, “I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?” Jesus replied, “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.

To Nicodemus the Lord said, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” Baptism is for the remission of sins to qualify one to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and enter God’s kingdom.

The last charge Christ left with His disciples was to “teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

God’s plan for His children is not haphazard righteousness. There can be no fulfillment without commitment first. You must commit. It is this commitment that scares people off. Everyone wants the benefits offered. Every sane person wants fulfillment, redemption, joy, knowledge, peace, strength, love and power, but not everyone is willing to make the commitment to pay the price necessary to receive them.

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”